February 20, (THEWILL) — The U.S. Supreme Court, on Friday, ruled that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by unilaterally imposing sweeping global tariffs, declaring the action illegal.
In a 6-3 decision, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the majority that Trump’s tariffs went beyond the powers granted under federal law.
“The president asserts the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope. In light of the breadth, history, and constitutional context of that asserted authority, he must identify clear congressional authorisation to exercise it”, Roberts wrote.
The court further stated that the emergency powers Trump attempted to invoke “fall short” of providing a legal foundation for such sweeping measures.
This ruling represents one of the most consequential setbacks for Trump’s second administration at the conservative Supreme Court, which had previously sided with the President in cases involving immigration, the removal of independent agency leaders, and deep cuts to government spending.
By asserting that even sweeping executive actions must adhere to statutory and constitutional limits, the Supreme Court has set a landmark precedent in the ongoing balance of power between the White House and Congress.
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